Where Winds Meet Second Expansion Announced

NetEase and Everstone Studio have announced the second expansion for free-to-play open-world RPG Where Winds Meet. Following the finale of the “Hexi” expansion, the first part of the “Imperial Palace” expansion is set to launch later this month, taking players to the heart of the empire, where they will connect with members of the royal family. It will feature a one million square metre royal court and grounds, said to be populated by over three thousand NPCs.

In addition, Everstone Studio revealed further upcoming additions in the Homesteads system, Companion system, and new Gauntlets weapon type. The Homesteads system — planned to arrive in June 2026 — will let players return to Qinghe and build their own sanctuary to farm and live as a hidden martial arts master. Meanwhile, the Companions system will see players accompanied by furry companions, with their personalities and dialogue said to evolve as players adventure with them. Summer will also see the game adding the new Gauntlets weapon type, with its own unique martial arts path. Finally, June 2026 will also see the addition of two new game modes: a 5-player cooperative “Martial Path Domain” PvE mode and a new exploration mode where players explore ancient tombs and must eliminate rivals to secure their loot.

Where Winds Meet is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, and Android. The game is set in the years leading to the start of the Northern Song Dynasty in China (second half of the 9th century CE). Players take on the role of a wandering swordsman, who must choose whether to uphold their moral code or live for themselves in a time ravaged by fighting. The game features fast-paced, Wuxia-style combat and implements many aspects of Chinese martial arts.